Question/New Topic for us Oldtimers

[webestang]

I'll be 60 in October. Just went to my 6 month check up and got my yearly blood test back from my doc. All is well. I do take meds for slightly high blood pressure and asthma which seems to have gone away for the most part in the last 10 years (I was diagnosed back in 1998). 

I'm just so happy I'm buying my first (and only) house before turning 60. Now I have proper space for all my hobbies!!!! Can't wait to dig into my 1:1 Mustang's, model kits, slot car track/train set, Lego and printing BW photos in a darkroom! 

Edited June 16, 2024 by webestang

[TransAmMike]

13 hours ago, bobss396 said:

It has a 283 that runs well. I had it in for the inspection on Friday and everyone there said it ran well and was quiet under the hood. I took it for a good run after the inspection, up to 70 or so. The alignment is out for sure. I adjusted the camber on one side that improved it.

I may have a case of poison ivy... minor so far. I'm going to the beach with my sons in a bit, salt water is good for it. I did was with a poison ivy soap after I was done working outside. Hope I got most of it off me.

I go for my 3-year stress test on the 19th at my heart doctor's office. I'm gearing up to change all 4 coil springs at my buddy's shop soon, this will be a tough job. I have help him put a transmission back in something there first. 

Good old simple reliable 283 huh.   Plan on leaving it that way?

Treat that poison ivy!

[TransAmMike]

6 hours ago, webestang said:

I'll be 60 in October. Just went to my 6 month check up and got my yearly blood test back from my doc. All is well. I do take meds for slightly high blood pressure and asthma which seems to have gone away for the most part in the last 10 years (I was diagnosed back in 1998). 

I'm just so happy I'm buying my first (and only) house before turning 60. Now I have proper space for all my hobbies!!!! Can't wait to dig into my 1:1 Mustang's, model kits, slot car track/train set, Lego and printing BW photos in a darkroom! 

Ha, another youngster?

I also take blood pressure med and it does keep my pressure down to a pretty decent number.

What Mustangs do you have? 

[Ace-Garageguy]

On 6/15/2024 at 10:27 AM, espo said:

A note to all. You're only as old as you feel. 

Some days I feel 25. Some days I feel every bit of what I am.

I prefer the former, and I've found that exercise, eating right, and consciously limiting how much I let stressful stuff affect my mood, the younger I feel consistently.

But it ain't easy. It can be disappointing to see how slowly years of accumulated fat go away, and how long it takes to get back to where I'm even as fit as I was at 55.

I've let myself go to total pot several times for a variety of reasons, and every time I decide to get back on the stick, lose the lard, and get fit again, the more it hurts and the longer it takes.

But getting to the point where the exercise has quantifiable results as far as vastly reduced joint and back pain go, seeing the weight go down slowly but consistently on the scales, and looking in the mirror and not seeing a slab of overhanging-gut-lard makes me think this time, I'm going to keep with it.

It's a whole lot easier to maintain a really healthy weight and fitness level than it is to get back to it if you've let yourself go.

And it's a WHOLE lot easier to just chill on the couch pounding down chips and dip and beer.

Life is choices. 

Edited June 17, 2024 by Ace-Garageguy

[bobss396]

10 hours ago, TransAmMike said:

Good old simple reliable 283 huh.   Plan on leaving it that way?

Treat that poison ivy!

I'm not touching it aside from putting new plug wires on it. It was already swapped to an HEI distributor. The poison ivy is good, so far one small spot on my wrist. This is my 5th day since I was pulling weeds and vines, so I should be okay.

[bobss396]

8 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Some days I feel 25. Some days I feel every bit of what I am.

I prefer the former, and I've found that exercise, eating right, and consciously limiting how much I let stressful stuff affect my mood, the younger I feel consistently.

But it ain't easy. It can be disappointing to see how slowly years of accumulated fat go away, and how long it takes to get back to where I'm even as fit as I was at 55.

I've let myself go to total pot several times for a variety of reasons, and every time I decide to get back on the stick, lose the lard, and get fit again, the more it hurts and the longer it takes.

But getting to the point where the exercise has quantifiable results as far as vastly reduced joint and back pain go, seeing the weight go down slowly but consistently on the scales, and looking in the mirror and not seeing a slab of overhanging-gut-lard makes me think this time, I'm going to keep with it.

It's a whole lot easier to maintain a really healthy weight and fitness level than it is to get back to it if you've let yourself go.

And it's a WHOLE lot easier to just chill on the couch pounding down chips and dip and beer.

Life is choices. 

Prior to my 2016 heart attack, I was up around 270 and going to the gym 3x a week. A 10 day hospital stay (4 days in a coma...) brought me to 250, then lost another 15 from there.

By 2018 the weight was creeping up, I was around 275 when I retired in 2020. Now I'm closer to 230 and feel better. The cafeteria at work was too good to resist. I cut out soda and that egg on a roll every morning. The lunches were too good for $7. I just went to a wedding and had one of my newer suits and a shirt taken in.

[espo]

12 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Some days I feel 25. Some days I feel every bit of what I am.

I prefer the former, and I've found that exercise, eating right, and consciously limiting how much I let stressful stuff affect my mood, the younger I feel consistently.

But it ain't easy. It can be disappointing to see how slowly years of accumulated fat go away, and how long it takes to get back to where I'm even as fit as I was at 55.

I've let myself go to total pot several times for a variety of reasons, and every time I decide to get back on the stick, lose the lard, and get fit again, the more it hurts and the longer it takes.

But getting to the point where the exercise has quantifiable results as far as vastly reduced joint and back pain go, seeing the weight go down slowly but consistently on the scales, and looking in the mirror and not seeing a slab of overhanging-gut-lard makes me think this time, I'm going to keep with it.

It's a whole lot easier to maintain a really healthy weight and fitness level than it is to get back to it if you've let yourself go.

And it's a WHOLE lot easier to just chill on the couch pounding down chips and dip and beer.

Life is choices. 

I know what you mean. There are times I just want to get dressed in the dark so I will not see myself in the mirror. 

[slusher]

Guys I am 58 and turn 59 In November.  I have had MS for 32 years. I worked 8 years with it and retired because of it. I love model cars and trucks.  I have high blood pressure from steroid treatments for MS it also made me gain weight. I married my wife 30 years ago this year. She is sweet as they come.  I’m from Chicago-and my dad moved here when I was a teen at fifteen.  I love Tennessee and Arizona around Williams. Went there on vacation when I worked. My biggest threat is blood pressure and solved my falling problem it was using ear plugs in the shower. Threw my balance off.  You guys mean a lot to me and have been good to me.  I have cried when some have passed. May God bless all of you my friends..k

[webestang]

17 hours ago, TransAmMike said:

Ha, another youngster?

I also take blood pressure med and it does keep my pressure down to a pretty decent number.

What Mustangs do you have? 

I have 3 Mustang's currently. 1985 2.3 notch back , 88 5.0 convertible and my daily driver is a 99 coupe V6. I did get an offer of $2000 for the 85, thinking of selling as it is not sentimental and I need the cash to help with the rebuild on my 88 from a fender bender I had several years ago and another new top. 

Edited June 17, 2024 by webestang

[TransAmMike]

8 hours ago, slusher said:

Guys I am 58 and turn 59 In November.  I have had MS for 32 years. I worked 8 years with it and retired because of it. I love model cars and trucks.  I have high blood pressure from steroid treatments for MS it also made me gain weight. I married my wife 30 years ago this year. She is sweet as they come.  I’m from Chicago-and my dad moved here when I was a teen at fifteen.  I love Tennessee and Arizona around Williams. Went there on vacation when I worked. My biggest threat is blood pressure and solved my falling problem it was using ear plugs in the shower. Threw my balance off.  You guys mean a lot to me and have been good to me.  I have cried when some have passed. May God bless all of you my friends..k

So I sure hope the MS is under control.  I'm thinking you take BP medication to control it...as I do.

You were one of the first guys I communicated with when I got on the forum so hang in there Buddy!!

[slusher]

13 hours ago, TransAmMike said:

So I sure hope the MS is under control.  I'm thinking you take BP medication to control it...as I do.

You were one of the first guys I communicated with when I got on the forum so hang in there Buddy!!

I take none of the meds to keep attacks down all can cause cancer. I don’t need anything else I just tak meds for the symtoms..

[bobthehobbyguy]

On 6/18/2024 at 6:20 AM, slusher said:

I take none of the meds to keep attacks down all can cause cancer. I don’t need anything else I just tak meds for the symtoms..

It always amazes me when the cure can cause serious problems. It doesn't seem like a reasonable tradeoff. 

[bobthehobbyguy]

Slowly getting back to my routine. Did grocery shopping and got some much needed yard work done. I have gotten some great bench time in. Got a model finished and will be posting it.

Grateful for still being around and getting better  and better every day.

[bobss396]

I had a stress test done 2 days ago, the PET scan one. I get one every 3 years. The test has some creepy moments to it, elevated heart rate especially. I go back next week, they said if anything bad came up, they would call me before. No news is good news. I had a cold beer immediately after I left and lunch at Taco Bell.

Yesterday I got my new pool filter motor and pump dropped off. I spent the day switching it all over and it WORKS. I have to get the timer hooked up if it isn't fried. The old motor is from 2003... and it was... old. I knew the plug was getting hot and tried a replacement first. I took the old plug apart and it was extra crispy. I should have stopped right there. 

I seem to be on top of my lower back pain for the first time in months. This is something muscular according to my pain doctor. I scuffed up my veggie garden and fed all the plants too.

[Brutalform]

4 hours ago, bobss396 said:

I had a stress test done 2 days ago, the PET scan one. I get one every 3 years. The test has some creepy moments to it, elevated heart rate especially. I go back next week, they said if anything bad came up, they would call me before. No news is good news. I had a cold beer immediately after I left and lunch at Taco Bell.

Yesterday I got my new pool filter motor and pump dropped off. I spent the day switching it all over and it WORKS. I have to get the timer hooked up if it isn't fried. The old motor is from 2003... and it was... old. I knew the plug was getting hot and tried a replacement first. I took the old plug apart and it was extra crispy. I should have stopped right there. 

I seem to be on top of my lower back pain for the first time in months. This is something muscular according to my pain doctor. I scuffed up my veggie garden and fed all the plants too.

My stress test, and all the other tests I had all came back good. But I was still having a minor pain in my chest. So the cardiologist wanted to go in through my wrist, and look around in my heart. There he found two 80% blockages in my LAD, otherwise known as the “ widowmaker”. I was shocked the tests didn’t show anything. I’m sure glad I had the scope and angioplasty done. I feel 200% better, and no more feeling like death wasn’t too far away. It’s amazing how your mindset knows something isn’t right. I guess all the years the blockages were forming, you really don’t notice, but once they were opened up, msn I felt the difference. 

[espo]

3 hours ago, Brutalform said:

My stress test, and all the other tests I had all came back good. But I was still having a minor pain in my chest. So the cardiologist wanted to go in through my wrist, and look around in my heart. There he found two 80% blockages in my LAD, otherwise known as the “ widowmaker”. I was shocked the tests didn’t show anything. I’m sure glad I had the scope and angioplasty done. I feel 200% better, and no more feeling like death wasn’t too far away. It’s amazing how your mindset knows something isn’t right. I guess all the years the blockages were forming, you really don’t notice, but once they were opened up, msn I felt the difference. 

Had the same issue as you with the "widowmaker" in 2002. At that time, they were going through the groin area to install the stents. The sensations afterwards are hard to describe, but I did feel better after a couple of days. May have just been because then I had a good blood flow. A flight of stairs was no longer like climbing a mountain. Glad you're better. 

[espo]

8 hours ago, bobss396 said:

I had a stress test done 2 days ago, the PET scan one. I get one every 3 years. The test has some creepy moments to it, elevated heart rate especially. I go back next week, they said if anything bad came up, they would call me before. No news is good news. I had a cold beer immediately after I left and lunch at Taco Bell.

Yesterday I got my new pool filter motor and pump dropped off. I spent the day switching it all over and it WORKS. I have to get the timer hooked up if it isn't fried. The old motor is from 2003... and it was... old. I knew the plug was getting hot and tried a replacement first. I took the old plug apart and it was extra crispy. I should have stopped right there. 

I seem to be on top of my lower back pain for the first time in months. This is something muscular according to my pain doctor. I scuffed up my veggie garden and fed all the plants too.

When you have your stress tests are they giving you a shot to stimulate your heart or are you on the treadmill? The last two or three tests I've had the shot and I thought I was having a heart attack. Very painful and I think the guy was slow to give me the reversal shot. Got the Cardo Doc to approve having me run on the treadmill this next week. To my mind the treadmill would offer a truer reading than a chemical setting your heart on fire. 

[bobss396]

14 hours ago, espo said:

When you have your stress tests are they giving you a shot to stimulate your heart or are you on the treadmill? The last two or three tests I've had the shot and I thought I was having a heart attack. Very painful and I think the guy was slow to give me the reversal shot. Got the Cardo Doc to approve having me run on the treadmill this next week. To my mind the treadmill would offer a truer reading than a chemical setting your heart on fire. 

I was told by an old time heart doc that the treadmill test is 75% accurate and the induced one is more like 95%. But most insurances won't spring for the fancy test. I must have had bad blockages for years leading up to my 2016 widow maker. I would get winded walking up 2 flights of stairs, I had a back pain that was actually angina attacks, for a few years.

Yeah, my heart was doing the funky chicken towards the end too. Erratic heart beat, blood beating in my ears. It lasted 2 minutes, felt like 2 hours. I'll see what happens when I see him on the 26th. I would not be surprised if I needed a stent. I also have a valve they keep an eye on. Likely this test captured that too.

[Gramps46]

Just turned 78 and feel pretty good but the angina has started.  Not related to exercise though.  Another doctor's appointment Tuesday.

[James2]

I'll be 64 this year, feel great most of the time, just the usual aches and pains from life's casualties. Mentally I feel young, I am slowing some but still enjoy working, playing and the occasional party. Still riding and wrenching on motorcycles and building models of course. The hobby for me has change over the years, but it is still a great way to relax and escape even for just a moment!  I also believe some take this hobby way to seriously! Trying to be all authentic and overly exact. That's ok for some but me, I just wanna have fun.

[slusher]

19 hours ago, espo said:

When you have your stress tests are they giving you a shot to stimulate your heart or are you on the treadmill? The last two or three tests I've had the shot and I thought I was having a heart attack. Very painful and I think the guy was slow to give me the reversal shot. Got the Cardo Doc to approve having me run on the treadmill this next week. To my mind the treadmill would offer a truer reading than a chemical setting your heart on fire. 

David, when you took your stress test chemical did you sweat and how long did it last?

[thatz4u]

On 6/16/2024 at 9:23 PM, Ace-Garageguy said:

Some days I feel 25. Some days I feel every bit of what I am.

I prefer the former, and I've found that exercise, eating right, and consciously limiting how much I let stressful stuff affect my mood, the younger I feel consistently.

But it ain't easy. It can be disappointing to see how slowly years of accumulated fat go away, and how long it takes to get back to where I'm even as fit as I was at 55.

I've let myself go to total pot several times for a variety of reasons, and every time I decide to get back on the stick, lose the lard, and get fit again, the more it hurts and the longer it takes.

But getting to the point where the exercise has quantifiable results as far as vastly reduced joint and back pain go, seeing the weight go down slowly but consistently on the scales, and looking in the mirror and not seeing a slab of overhanging-gut-lard makes me think this time, I'm going to keep with it.

It's a whole lot easier to maintain a really healthy weight and fitness level than it is to get back to it if you've let yourself go.

And it's a WHOLE lot easier to just chill on the couch pounding down chips and dip and beer.

Life is choices. 

a book that really helps is Eat Right for your Bloodtype....

[espo]

5 hours ago, bobss396 said:

I was told by an old time heart doc that the treadmill test is 75% accurate and the induced one is more like 95%. But most insurances won't spring for the fancy test. I must have had bad blockages for years leading up to my 2016 widow maker. I would get winded walking up 2 flights of stairs, I had a back pain that was actually angina attacks, for a few years.

Yeah, my heart was doing the funky chicken towards the end too. Erratic heart beat, blood beating in my ears. It lasted 2 minutes, felt like 2 hours. I'll see what happens when I see him on the 26th. I would not be surprised if I needed a stent. I also have a valve they keep an eye on. Likely this test captured that too.

Good luck to you on your test. Mine is set for July 1. Your description sounds much like what I have experienced. You have to be brave to get old. 

[espo]

1 hour ago, slusher said:

David, when you took your stress test chemical did you sweat and how long did it last?

The shot they gave me made everything seem a little blurry and my chest felt like it would explode. I just sat down in the chair and told them I needed the shot to stop it. I was very close to blacking out and my chest hurt for the rest of the day. The whole thing didn't really last all that long after the first shot. My heart started beating very hard to the point of hurting almost right away, which has often made me question if I was given to much of whatever is in it. I had discussed these problems with my Cardio. Doctor and that is why he reluctantly OK'd the tread mill. With the tread mill they have a spotter standing behind me in case I were to trip or fall while a Nurse is monitoring my vitals. The tread mill lasts until my heart reaches a number they are looking for or until I cry uncle which ever happens first.  Then they put me on the sled and run me through the ring to do a Cat Scan. 

[TransAmMike]

Sounds like those stress tests are tough on you. I know I had one quite a while back but don't remember an issue. 

5 hours ago, James2 said:

I'll be 64 this year, feel great most of the time, just the usual aches and pains from life's casualties. Mentally I feel young, I am slowing some but still enjoy working, playing and the occasional party. Still riding and wrenching on motorcycles and building models of course. The hobby for me has change over the years, but it is still a great way to relax and escape even for just a moment!  I also believe some take this hobby way to seriously! Trying to be all authentic and overly exact. That's ok for some but me, I just wanna have fun.

I'm 16 years older than you and trust me, enjoy living now because at least for me, in the last few years I've been slowly going down hill. Thankfully I don't have any majir health issues. 

My brain is still wanting to be a young guy and I still think that way but the body ain't cooperating. 

You guys hang in there!